Michael and I met at high school and shared many good times and sometimes dangerous ones.

We belonged to the RAF cadet force whilst at school and we both did 3 solo glider flights at Hornchurch airfield at the tender age of 16!

We didn’t always stick to the rules and on one occasion we launched a fellow pupil into the air instead of the school’s glider, which provided the rest  of the squad with a great deal of hilarity.  Fortunately, the pupil was uninjured, except for his pride.  However, we were severely reprimanded.

There was always a good deal of rivalry between us and we would often play chess into the small hours.

He was truly a “best man” and we were honoured when he accepted my invitation to be my best man at my marriage to Valerie in 1967.

Michael touched so many lives and will be sadly missed.

He was a best and true friend who always understood and in my heart still is.